Reeds for woodwind instruments



Jan. 7, 1969 J- G. BAcKus 3,420,132

REEDS FOR WOODWIND INSTRUMENTS Filed Jan. 18,1966 7 Sheet 01 2 Join a50M;

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United States Patent 3,420,132 REEDS FOR WOODWIND INSTRUMENTS John G.Backus, 2233 Via Guadalana, Palos Verdes Estates, Calif. %274 Filed Jan.18, 1966, Ser. No. 521,353 US. Cl. 84-383 Int. Cl. Gltld 9/02 16 ClaimsABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates generally to reeds formusical instruments, and particularly relates to a composite reed foreither clarinets or saxophones requiring single reeds or oboes orbassoons which utilize double reeds.

conventionally, reeds for woodwind instruments are made of cane havinglongitudinal fibers therein. The best cane from which reeds are usuallymade is considered to be that which grows in France. Experience hasshown that reeds made of cane are not reproducible. Hence, not everyreed made even of the same batch of cane is suitable for playing awoodwind instrument. On the other hand, no satisfactory substitute forcane has yet been found.

One of the reasons for this is that it has not heretofore been knownjust what properties a reed must have to perform satisfactorily in awoodwind instrument. However, I have done considerable research :on thebehavior of woodwind instrument reeds, and have found that it is themechanical and elastic properties of the extreme tip of the reed,comprising about one-quarter to three-eighths of an inch of the length,that determine the vibration properties of the reed, and hence thequality of the tone produced.

Various reeds have been suggested in the past which are made of twodifferent materials. Thus, a reed has been proposed which is made ofbamboo having a base portion and a tapered portion. The base portion iscovered with a flexible material such as cork or rubber to seal the baseagainst leakage. It has also been proposed to provide a reed havingsections which are joined and cemented together. However, these jointsare at the thick body portion of the reed, and do not affect theproperties of the flexible tip or tongue of the reed, whose vibrationsdetermine the quality of the tone of the instrument.

In addition it has been suggested that a reed made of cane or wood beimpregnated with nitrocellulose or coated with a similar material suchas celluloid. This is to prevent absorption of water by the porousmaterial of the reed and has no effect on the vibration of the flexibletip of the reed.

Reeds are being made of unidirectionally extending fibers formed of aplastic material and impregnated with resin. Such synthetic reeds aresupposed to imitate the physical properties of a reed made of cane.However, such reeds still do not permit control of the sound qualitiesof the woodwind instrument.

Various other schemes have been proposed embodying slotting or otherwiseshaping the tapered portion of the reed, or embedding reinforcingmaterial therein. However, none of these modifications extend to theextreme tip of the reed and so do not affect the vibrations of this tip.Such modifications will, therefore, have no influence on the tonequality produced by the reed.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide animproved reed suitable for a woodwind instrument such as a clarinet,saxophone, oboe or bassoon which permits control of the tone quality andwhich is reproducible in manufacture.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a'reed for awoodwind instrument wherein the physical properties of the vibrating tipof the reed are controllable by making the reed of two or more differentmaterials.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved reedwhich permits control of the abruptness of closure of the reed, itsimpact with the mouthpiece, and leakage of air between the reed and themouthpiece, by properly shaping the reed.

In accordance with the present invention a reed for a woodwind musicalinstrument comprises a first member or core which has a conventionalshape. This member, hence, conventionally includes a relatively thickbody portion and a tapered portion joined thereto at its thick end. Thethin end of this tapered portion terminates in a very thin tip portionor tongue having two substantially flat surfaces. This thin tip portioncomprising about onequarter inch of the length of the thin end of thereed, is the part of the reed that vibrates within the musicians mouth,and hence determines the tone of the instrument. In accordance with thepresent invention a second relatively thin member covers one of thesurfaces of the tip portion of the first member. This permits thecontrol of the stiffness, the mass and the damping of the vibrating tipof the reed and hence permits control of the quality of the toneproduced. Furthermore, by curving, twisting or otherwise shaping the tipof the reed, the abruptness of closure of the reed with the mouthpiece,the leakage of air and the impact with the mouthpiece can be controlled.

The novel features that are considered characteristic of this inventionare set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The inventionitself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, aswell as additional objects and advantages thereof, will best beunderstood from the following description when read in connection withthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a mouthpiece for a clarinet with a conventionalreed;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a preferred reed embodying the presentinvention having the second member or layer on the flat surface of thefirst member;

FIG. 3 is a plan or bottom view of the reed of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the reed of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of another embodiment of the first member or corefor a reed, said core having longitudinal slots;

FIG. 6 is a plan view similar to FIG. 3 illustrating another modifiedreed wherein a second layer or tape does not cover the entire vibratorytongue;

FIG. 7 is a side view of still another embodiment of a reed of theinvention having the second member or layer disposed on the outer sideof the reed:

FIG. 8 is a side view similar to FIG. 7 showing a second layer whichdoes not extend to the end of the tip of the reed;

FIG. 9 is another side view similar to that of FIG. 7 but showing thesecond layer disposed on the inner side of the reed, the tape notextending to the end of the tongue thereof;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a reed having a second layer which does notextend to any of the edges of the reed;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a reed covered with two different materialsdisposed adjacent to each other;

FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken on line 1212 of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a side view of another modified reed having two thin layersof different materials disposed one on top of the other; and

FIGS. 14 through 16 are end views of different reeds in accordance withthe invention having different transverse curvatures or a twist toprevent complete closure between the reed and the mouthpiece.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1 there isillustrated a conventional mouthpiece 15 suitable particularly for aclarinet to which is secured a reed 16 by a known circular clamp 17having the usual pair of wing clamping screws 18.

The reed 16 has the usual relatively thick base or body portion 20, atapered portion 23, and a thin vibrating tip portion 21, the extreme endof which may be as thin as 4 mils. It should be noted that the flat side22 of the reed is adjacent the mouthpiece 15. The outer surface of thetapered portion 23 is slightly curved, while the outer surface of thevibrating tip portion 21 is nearly flat. A gap or aperture 24 is formedbetween the reed tongue 21 and the mouthpiece.

The present invention is the result of investigations which have shownthat the tone of a woodwind instrument and the important mechanicalproperties of the reed are determined by the physical properties of thevibrating tip portion or tongue 21. The player inserts the tip of themouthpiece and reed assembly of FIG. 1 and blows air through theaperture 24. This causes the reed to vibrate at a frequency determinedby the length of the air column of the instrument to which themouthpiece is attached. The stiffness of the tip of the reed is animportant physical property which determines how much air pressure isrequired to make it vibrate. This fact is well known to woodwindplayers, and hence it is common practice to alter this stiffness byscraping and trimming the reed.

However, it has also been found in accordance with:

this invention that the mass of the tip of the reed is another importantphysical property which affects the tone. This property is notadjustable by the player in conventional reeds. Therefore, in accordancewith the present invention the tip of the reed is provided with theproper mass for best tone quality.

A third important physical property of the reed tip is the amount ofdamping supplied by the material of the tip. This damping is related tothe inherent resistance to motion of the material, and is important inreducing the amount of undesirable higher harmonics in the vibration ofthe reed. Accordingly, the reed of the present in vention provides theproper amount of damping for the tip of the reed.

Another physical property which is important is the tip separation, thatis, the gap 24 between the outer tip of the reed and the mouthpiece.This, of course, is determined by the longitudinal bend or curvature ofthe reed, and affects the ease of playing the instrument. Furthermore,the abruptness of the closure between the reed tip or tongue 21 and themouthpiece is important in determining the tone quality. Thus, if thereed tip has a bend or a twist, the reed does not close so quickly andabruptly. Similarly, the air leakage at the closure gap 24 is ofimportance; this determines how much air will leak through between reedand mouthpiece even when the reed is closed. Thus, the reed may providea tight seal or a less tight seal. Finally, every time the reed closesthere is a mechanical impact. This impact is transferred through theteeth of the player and, hence, by bone conduction to the ears. As aresult, the player hears a buzz when there is too much of an impact.This can be highly annoying to the player although it may not be audibleto the listener.

In accordance with the present invention these seven factors, namely,the stiffness, mass, damping, the tip separation, the abruptness ofclosure, the leakage at the closure and the impact can all be controlledby a proper design of the reed, by its physical shape and by the properselection of the material of the bulk of the reed and of a relativelythin member or tape covering substantially one of the surfaces of thevibrating tip portion of the reed.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 to 4 there is illustrated a preferred reed inaccordance with the present invention. This reed has an elastic core orskeleton 25 consisting of a suitable material. For example, the core 25may consist of fiberglass, that is, glass fibers impregnated withpolyester or epoxy resin, or it may also consist of a suitable metal,such for example, as stainless steel. The core 25 has the usual bodyportion 26, the tapered portion 23, and the vibrating tip or tongue 27.The flat surface 22 of the core is disposed adjacent the mouthpiece. Theelastic core 25 is properly shaped to duplicate essentially thelongitudinal and transverse stiffness of a conventional cane reed.

To one surface of the vibrating tip or tongue of the reed, such as theflat inner surface 22, there is attached a layer of material such as atape 30 to adjust the mass and the damping of the reed. This layer ofmaterial 30 may, for example, consist of a layer of cellulose acetatesuch as is known in the trade as Scotch tape, or else a polyvinyl tapeor some other plastic material may be used. After the two materials havebeen properly secured to each other, the reed may be provided with adesired longitudinal curvature as clearly shown in FIG. 2. This, ofcourse, will determine the tip separation or gap 24 as previouslyexplained.

Furthermore, the tip or tongue 27 may be given a transverse curvature asshown in FIG. 4 to adjust the abruptness of closure of the reed. Itshould be noted that the longitudinal and transverse curvatures of thereed as depicted in the drawings are exaggerated for purposes ofillustration.

Subsequently, the layer 30 may be shaped to adjust the leakage. Thus, anindentation, as shown at 31, may be punched into the layer 30 so thatwhen the reed closes there will be still some leakage of air.Alternatively, the air leakage may be controlled by artificiallyincreasing the roughness of the inner surface of the reed tongue.

Finally, a cushion shown at 32 consisting of a suitable elastic materialsuch as rubber may be secured to the bottom of the tip 27 of the reed.This, of course, controls the impact of the reed.

Thus, it will be seen that by a suitable selection of the basic materialof the core 25 the stiffness may be controlled. The mass may be variedby the shape, thickness and the type of material of which the layer 30consists.

Referring now to FIG. 5 there is shown a modified core 25 for a reedwhich may, for example, consist of metal such as stainless steel. Thevibrating tip or tongue 27 has been provided with a plurality oflongitudinal slots 34. This, of course, controls the transverse elasticproperties of the reed, and is also a way to control the stiffness, forexample, in the longitudinal direction. These longitudinal slots mayalso be used to adjust the mass of the vibrating reed tip.

As shown in FIG. 6 the layer of material 30 need not extend to the edgeof the tip portion 27. Thus, the layer of material 30 is spaced from theouter edge of the tip portion 27, as clearly shown in FIG. 6. Thus, thetape 30 still covers substantially the tongue 27, that is, the majorportion of the tongue but not the entire surface thereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 7 the layer of material 30 may be disposed on theouter surface 23 of the elastic core material 25. In that case it willbe appreciated that the layer of material 30 is in contact with the lipsof the player.

As explained previously, it is not necessary that the layer of material30 extends to the very end of the tip of the tapered portion 27. Thishas been illustrated in FIG. 8. It should also be noted that in theconstruction of FIG. 8, the layer of material 30 does not cover theentire body or base portion 26. A similar construction is shown in FIG.9 where, however, the layer of material 30 is again disposed on the flatinner surface 22 which is to be disposed adjacent the mouthpiece. Hereagain the layer of the material does not extend entirely to the tip 27nor does it entirely cover the body portion 26 of the core 25.Similarly, in FIG. 10 the layer of material 30 is spaced from the entireouter edge of the core and tongue 27. It should be noted that what isshown in FIG. 10 is the fiat surface 22 which is to be disposed adjacentthe mouthpiece.

Instead of providing a single layer as explained in connection withFIGS. 2 through 10, it is also feasible to use two separate layers and36 as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 disposed adjacent to each other. The twolayers 35 and 36 may either consist of different materials or of thesame material of different thickness. Thus, one of the layers may servethe purpose of adjusting the mass while the other provides the requireddegree of damping.

Another construction is illustrated in FIG. 13 where two layers 37 and38 are disposed one on top of the other over the core 25 including thetongue 27. Again one of the layers may supply the damping while theother one adjusts the mass. It will, of course, be understood that it isalso feasible to put one layer on the outer surface 33 and the other.one the inner or lay side surface 22.

It will also be understood that it is feasible to interchange thefunctions of the layers. For example, the core 25 of the reed shown inFIG. 2 may be constructed of material to provide the proper mass anddamping, while the stiffness is provided by a layer 30 in the form of athin sheet of metal covering the vibrating tip of the reed. This layermay be attached to the flat side 22 of the core, or alternatively to thecurved side 33, or to both.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 through 16 there are shown alternativearrangements for the transverse curvature of the tip of the reed. Thus,while the curvature in FIG. 4 is convex with respect to the mouthpiece,that shown in FIG. 14 is concave. Similarly, FIG. 15 illustrates an endview of the tip 27 and layer 30 having a double curvature. Finally, FIG.16 shows a construction where the end of the tongue or tip portion 27 istwisted.

All of these constructions, of course, will control the abruptness ofclosure and the leakage of the closure. The impact is controlled mostefficiently by the cushion 32. It should also be noted that it isfeasible to roughen the tip portion adjacent the mouthpiece to controlthe leakage of the closure. Cane is naturally somewhat rough and allowsa certain amount of air leakage.

There has thus been disclosed an improved reed for woodwind instruments.The reed is particularly adapted for clarinets but may also be used forother woodwind instruments such as saxophones, and with appropriatemodifications may be used as well for oboes and bassoons. In accordancewith the present invention it is possible to control the stiffness, themass and the damping by the use of a relatively thin layer of materialsuch as tape covering at least a part of the tip portion of the reed. Itis immaterial whether this material is disposed on one surface or on theother of the tongue of the reed. Furthermore, by the proper shaping ofthe reed, that is, by the transverse or longitudinal curvature, the tipseparation can be controlled as well as the abruptness of closure, theair leakage at the closure and the impact noise. Since the reed of thepresent invention is preferably made from some artificial materialrather than natural cane it is feasible to provide reeds havingreproducible qualities. It is well known that a large percentage ofcommercially obtainable reeds are not actually usable even though allthe reeds have been made in the same manner.

The invention and its attendant advantages will be understood from theforegoing description and it will be apparent that various changes maybe made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts of theinvention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof orsacrificing its material advantages, the arrangement hereinbeforedescribed merely by Way of example and I do not wish to be restricted tothe specific form shown or uses mentioned except as defined in theaccompanying claims, wherein various portions have been separated forclarity of reading and not for emphasis.

I claim:

1. A composite reed for a woodwind musical instrument adapted to bedisposed adjacent a mouthpiece and comprising:

(a) a first member having a relatively thick body portion, a taperedintermediate portion, and a thin vibratory tip portion with twosubstantially flat surfaces; and

(b) a second, relatively thin member covering at least a portion of oneof the surfaces of said vibratory tip portion, there-by to control thestiffness, the mass and the damping of the vibrating tip portion of saidreed.

2. A composite reed as defined in claim 1 wherein said taperedintermediate portion and said tip portion are given a longitudinalcurvature.

3. A composite reed as defined in claim 1 wherein said vibrating tipportion has a transverse curvature.

4. A composite reed as defined in claim 3 wherein said transversecurvature is convex with respect to the mouthp1ece.

5. A composite reed as defined in claim 3 wherein said transversecurvature is concave with respect to the mouthpiece.

6. A composite reed as defined in claim 3 wherein said vibrating tipportion is provided with a double curvature.

7. A composite reed as defined in claim 1 wherein said vibrating tipportion is twisted.

8. A composite reed as defined in claim 1 wherein said second membercovers at least a portion of the inner one of the surfaces of said tipportion adapted to be disposed adjacent the mouthpiece.

9. A composite reed as defined in claim 1 wherein said second member isdisposed on the outer surface of said tip portion which is adapted to bedisposed opposite the mouthpiece.

10. A composite reed as defined in claim 1 wherein said secondmembercovers a part of the vibratory tip portion but does not extend tothe outer edge thereof.

11. A composite reed as defined in claim 1 wherein said second membercovers a portion of one of the surfaces of said tip portion, and whereinthere is provided a third relatively thin member covering substantiallythe remainder of said one of the surfaces of said tip portion, wherebysaid second and third members control the mass and the damping of thetip portion of said reed.

12. A composite reed as defined in claim 1 wherein there is provided athird relatively thin member covering at least a portion of the width ofsaid second thin member, whereby said second and third members controlthe mass, stiffness, and damping of the tip portion of said reed.

13. A composite reed as defined in claim 1 wherein said second member isprovided with a hole adjacent the outer tip of said tip portion.

14. A composite reed as defined in claim 1 wherein there is provided acushion of elastic material disposed on the outer edge of said tipportion, thereby to control the closure and impact between said reed andthe mouthpiece.

15. A composite reed as defined in claim 1 wherein the vibrating tipportion of said first member is provided with a plurality oflongitudinal slots.

16. A composite reed as defined in claim 1 in which 7 8 the secondrelatively thin member extends to the very 2,230,933 2/1941 Caire et a1.1- 84383 end of said vibrating tip portion. 2,342,836 2/ 1944 Brilhart84383 2,456,298 12/1948 Miller 84383 References C'ted 2,456,299 12/1948Miller 84-383 UNITED STATES PATENTS 5 2,919,617 1/1960 Brilhart 84-3831,667,836 5/1928 Brockman 84-383 1,779,522 10/1930 Widmayer STEPHEN J.TOMSKY, Plzmary Exammel. 2,224,308 12/1940 Maccaferri 84-683 LAWRENCE R.FRANKLIN, Assistant Examiner.

